One of my few accomplishments during the quarantining last year (besides an epic four part poem about dust, and five poems about national park grief) involved creating a Halloween costume, buying all the parts, fitting it into a perfect storage container, and even labelling it. Then I put it in my closet, the quarantine never … Continue reading Perfection’s Rough Draft
Personal Note
Christmas Cheer
I promised to tell you about a Campfire Tales tradition. A few years ago, on a river cruise down the Danube during December, I discovered the joy of gluhwein at the Christkindlmarkt. (Translations: mulled wine; Christmas Market.) Once home, I sought out a recipe (this one, I think it was) and now I make it … Continue reading Christmas Cheer
Hang in There, Northern California
Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. ~ Proverbs 25:25, NIV Please know, the cold water reaching you will be good news in this distant land. Also, thoughts and prayers are with you!
Dear So-and-so
Maybe you, like me, have a lot of time on your hands lately? I have an excellent suggestion for you! I've been scanning everything that will pass through the scanner (yes, and a couple of things that shouldn't have been attempted). Last night, while hunting for some fun photos to share with you today, I … Continue reading Dear So-and-so
Memorial Day (2020): Step Into the Sunshine
Happy Memorial Day! Oh, you're not American, you don't see your flag represented, and/or that's not your holiday? Or you are American but you disagree with _____? Well gee then, you're free to go. In fact, I'm sure whatever freedoms you do enjoy didn't come at a cost to you or anyone else, so there's … Continue reading Memorial Day (2020): Step Into the Sunshine
Letters With Jimmy
From me to The Honorable Jimmy Carter: Dear Mr. Carter, Over several months during my 8th grade year, a friend and I retreated on our lunch period to a far corner of the junior high school campus (overlooking the graveyard across the street). There I would explain – in exacting detail, like a Faulknerian narrator … Continue reading Letters With Jimmy
Survive-aversary Party!
Eleven years ago today I found myself undergoing emergency surgery. "Elective surgery," I might add, considering the surgeon gave me two choices: have the surgery and possibly die, OR don't have the surgery and possibly die. I chose: Surgery, and to Live. (More of that story here.) From that day on, I joyfully observed my, … Continue reading Survive-aversary Party!
I COVID You Not
Everyone handles stress differently. My default — after I rant for "a while," way too long according to some — is humor. What I'm appreciating most in these crazy times is hearing the "nugget of sanity" that I notice everyone either seems to be looking for or has already found. A nugget of sanity … Continue reading I COVID You Not
Muppet Test
My co-workers were adamant I take the "Which Muppet Are You?" online survey. They thought I would be Beaker. Here are my results: You got: Beaker You're the strong silent type. You're easily stressed and you're a bit clumsy, but you take your work very seriously. Translation: "Meep meep meep meep meep. Meep meep meep … Continue reading Muppet Test
Keep Campfire Tales Weird!
"Why did so many people call you weird?" my mother asked, having read the comments written in my 8th Grade yearbook. Um... because I was? Especially during the 8th Grade. I'll spare you a full re-creation of the conversation(s) that followed, as it/they went on for weeks, and as I never managed to supply my … Continue reading Keep Campfire Tales Weird!
